an analysis of the residential rental dwelling licensing program city of elyria lorain county, ohio...
TRANSCRIPT
AN ANALYSISOF THE
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING PROGRAM
CITY OF ELYRIALORAIN COUNTY, OHIO
Presented by, Kevin A. BrubakerSenior Manager—Building
Department
HISTORY When the housing market declined in Lorain county and the city of Elyria,
we found ourselves with abandoned dwellings. A small percentage became first time home buyers, where others became
investment property owners.
Some of the investment properties were rehabbed and then rented or sold, where the others were rented out in a state of decay.
Through funding from the state of Ohio, the city was able to raze some of these abandoned dwellings. (108 in 2013)
THE GOAL
A set of standards supporting ;
LIFE
HEALTH
SAFETY FOR THE OCCUPANTS
AND INCREASED PROPERTY VALUES
THE PROPOSAL
To adopt a residential rental dwelling licensing program.
With three different inspection proposals, which are;
OPTION ONE - Complaint Driven Only, Existing
OPTION TWO - Exterior Inspections Only
OPTION THREE - Interior And Exterior Inspection
OPTION ONE
Complaint Driven Only.
Time frame: per complaint Interior inspection: per complaint Fee: NONE.
Non Compliance Fee For Non Registration: None.
Pros: Currently what we do Property owners happy
Cons:
Housing stock stays the same Property values stay the same or decrease Safety issues not addressed Not utilizing Building department to full capacity/expertise
This Is What The Department Currently Does!
OPTION TWO
Exterior Only Time frame: every 3 years Interior inspection: Complaint Driven
Registration Fee Per Year Shall Be:1 Unit = $50.00 Per Unit2 -10 Units = $35.00 Per Unit11- 50 Units = $25.00 Per Unit51+ Units = $10.00 Per Unit
Non-Compliance Fee For None Registration: Done as an administrative fine, add to tax duplicate Double fee after registration date Double fee, 30 days after registration date Double fee, 60 days after registration date After 90 days of non-compliance of registration, Court
Prosecution!
OPTION TWO
Pros: Building, police, fire and health departments would have current and
immediate contact information of owner or local agent May promote voluntary compliance Improvement of exterior appearance Public perception of city goes up Property values will be protected and/or improved
Cons: May spawn additional complaints Minimal impact on neighborhoods Serious interior violations may be overlooked Inspection warrant would be needed to enter property
OPTION THREE
Interior and Exterior Inspection: Time frame: every 3 years Interior inspection: YES
Registration Fee Per Year Shall Be:1 Unit = $100.00 Per Unit2 -10 Units = $70.00 Per Unit11-50 Units = $50.00 Per Unit51+ Units = $20.00 Per Unit
Non-Compliance Fee For Non Registration: Done as an administrative fine, add to tax duplicate Double fee after registration date Double fee, 30 days after registration date Double fee, 60 days after registration date After 90 days of non-compliance of registration, Court
Prosecution!
OPTION THREE
Pros: Building, Police, Fire, and Health Departments would have current and
immediate contact information of owner or Local agent Full intent of PMC 101.3, health and safety met (Rental dwellings will
be made safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation) Property Values will be protected and/or improved Public perception of city goes up
Cons: More work for Building department May take time to see full impact Property owners will not be in favor of Properties could sell in lieu of repairs More complaints will likely be received
CONCLUSION
If the intent of the program is to promote life, health, and safety for potential tenants/occupants of rental units, as per the property maintenance code, we feel the Exterior Inspection Only, would not accomplish this, and merely be superficial.
Therefore, we are in favor of a Rental Dwelling License Program contingent a full exterior and interior inspection can be made. This would, in a sense, justify the program and promote our departments Code of Ethics, of supporting life, health, and safety to which we all enforce.
The benefits of the additional staff we have received over the last year, the process can be accomplished where other communities may not be able to commit such dedication. By doing this, it eliminates the run down areas, typically labeled as” slum units”. Ultimately, detouring potential investments for the city. The long-term effect could increase the ability to rent the units at a higher fee(s) thus improving the quality and atmosphere of the neighborhood drawing potential business to the City, coinciding with the Mayors vision for Elyria.
CONCLUSION
This department stands committed to what the future holds
for the, RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING LICENSING
PROGRAM.
A City’s Building Department is a part of it’s backbone and
growth source. It exists to enhance safety, improve housing
and commercial buildings, and to curb signs of blight.